When Victor was released after 41 years inside, he moved into a transitional house and started to rebuild. Reentry wasn’t easy – he had no job, no food or clothes, and little support. But one crucial lifeline that helped him survive during this time was California’s food assistance program, CalFresh. This federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a safety net for those facing economic hardship, and it saved Victor.
“I was only home for a week when I received a debit card with $290 on it,” says Victor. “It gave me peace of mind. I didn’t have to worry about how I was going to eat, so I could focus on finding a job.”
Victor connected with the Center for Employment Opportunities's (CEO) Sacramento office and started on a transitional work crew with daily pay, beautifying the city streets. Additionally, he received paid training and support with transportation and certification.
“CEO is the helping hand that I needed,” Victor says. “They’re not pulling you out of the water, but they throw you a life preserver so you can save yourself.”
Victor makes his CalFresh benefits stretch and eats healthy– buying food like spinach, lean meats, and fruit. “I’m frugal, just like my mom. She could make $10 feed a whole family dinner.”
Now, with a forklift certification through CEO, Victor is applying for full-time work. His goal is to have a quality job where I can afford to live without food assistance.
"It’s hard to ask for help, but when you’re getting out of prison, you don’t know what you don’t know," says Victor. "Food assistance can make all the difference. It allows you to focus on the important things like finding a job, staying sober, and rebuilding your life."
For Victor, CalFresh wasn’t just a safety net – it was a stepping stone that allowed him to begin his journey toward self-sufficiency.
"CalFresh is more than just food assistance – it’s giving people the space to improve their lives," Victor says. “CalFresh and CEO gave me the foundation to build a real life. They helped me stand on my own two feet – and that means everything.”
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